Nearly four in five Scots are satisfied with the country's health service, according to an exclusive survey for STV News.

The ScotPulse study, which spoke to 1123 respondents, also found that 61% of people would be happy to pay higher taxes for their treatment on the NHS.

Satisfaction levels with the Scottish health service sit at 78%, with 31% saying there are "very satisfied", nearly half of Scots (47%) "quite satisfied" and 13% dissatisfied.

This rises to 82% overall satisfaction for people with children, but falls to around a quarter (74%) for those living in the north of Scotland.

The ScotPulse survey for STV News, carried out between May 22 and 23, comes as the NHS across Scotland and the UK celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The research also uncovered Scottish attitudes towards paying higher taxes for the NHS.

As well as six in ten Scots saying they would be happy to pay more, 56% also say those who can pay more, should pay more.

For people over 65 - those most likely to need the health service - this rises to two-thirds (66%) saying they would happily pay more tax for their treatment and 59% agreeing the wealthiest should pay more.

While a large majority of respondents (84%) expressed pride with the health service, only 14% think it is funded adequately.

A slightly higher number of pensioners (20%) say that the NHS does receive adequate resources.

Finally, there is further evidence that the NHS remains one of the country's most revered institutions.

Four in five (81%) believe that the health service is a symbol of what is good about the UK.

This rises to 84% among women and 85% of people living in the west of Scotland, but falls slightly to 78% of men and 76% of those living in the north of the country.

One in five Scots (20%) disagree that the current healthcare system is the best one, compared to 61% who agree.

The online survey was based on 1123 adults, living in Scotland, with fieldwork carried out between May 22 and May 23, 2018, by ScotPulse.com.

STV News is celebrating the 70th birthday of the NHS on TV and online throughout the week. We'd love to hear your memories and thank-you message to medics who have looked after you and your family.

Share them with us on social media using the hashtag #STVNHS70 or email us with your story at stvnews@stv.tv